What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 532

"I'll test the waters with her one more time," Noelle decided. She grabbed her phone and drafted a text to Elaine, claiming she felt terribly ill, was suffering from insomnia, and begged for a doctor recommendation.

Barely an hour later, Elaine arrived at the gates of The Shaw Residence. Dressed in a dark gray coat, her face bore a deep exhaustion that no amount of makeup could conceal.

Pearl opened the door with a welcoming smile. "Mrs. Sanders, you made it."

"She said she wasn't feeling well," Elaine said flatly. "What's wrong? Has she seen a doctor?"

"She hasn't been sleeping, and she has no energy," Pearl replied smoothly. "She's barely eating. We've both been there—at four months pregnant, her appetite should be ravenous. If she doesn't eat, how will the baby get any nutrients?"

Elaine's brow creased as she headed upstairs to Noelle's room.

Noelle was curled up in bed, the blankets pulled tight up to her chin, exposing only a pale, haggard face. It wasn't entirely an act. Days of constant, gnawing anxiety had wrecked her sleep and sapped her strength, leaving her looking genuinely pitiful and withered.

Elaine stood over the bed, looking down at her. "Tell me exactly what hurts. I'll take you to the hospital."

As if just noticing her, Noelle forced herself up, tears spilling over her cheeks instantly. "Mom... you finally came to see me. I missed you so much."

Throwing the covers aside, Noelle scrambled out of bed and collapsed at Elaine's feet. She clung desperately to Elaine's legs, her body trembling with sobs. "Mom, please don't shut me out. I'm terrified. I know I was wrong, I'm so sorry. Please, don't abandon me!"

A violent shudder ripped through Noelle. She slowly released her grip, slumping back onto the floor. "Mom, you can't possibly..."

"I shouldn't doubt you," Elaine cut in, her voice trembling with barely suppressed rage. "But after everything that's come to light, how can I not? You married him while you were in love with his brother. Rafael adored Finnian his entire life. If he had discovered the truth, the betrayal would have utterly destroyed him."

Noelle was paralyzed with terror. Her eyes wide, she frantically shook her head. "Mom, I had nothing to do with it! He died of a heart attack at the office! I wasn't even there. I have no idea why his heart just... gave out."

Elaine glared at her, her eyes burning with bitter resentment. "Then you explain it to me. Why did my perfectly healthy son suddenly suffer a fatal heart attack? Tell me!"